totally agree numpo - and to further add, I understand 'MayDay' to mean problem directly affecting the aircraft, and 'Pan' meaning urgency required but doesnt affect the state of the aircraft. So when the oceanic boys declare a Pan due to fuel problems, it gets a little confusing. On both declarations though, at London expect priority handling and normally a descrete freq so we can waffle on a bit to get full details to be sure we are helping the most we can. We are trained and checked out every year on Emergencies and try to keep the pilot bother to a minimum but obtain everything. Whatever you want, just ask for it, the book generally goes out the window in the event of safety issues. A quick call to the mil/D&D cell, and the selection of 7700 normally does the trick.
Safe flying, hope I never hear you say those words. 5miles.
PS if you start with Mayday or Pan, we have loud speakers that we turn on so everyone around knows whats going on, plus two or three ears are better than one controller going, 'oh crap, sorry who was that, say that again'. Another 'less bother' policy.